Purina Veterinary Diet Neurocare dog food has been specifically formulated to aid your pet’s cognitive health. Containing medium chain triglyceride oil, it also boasts a combination of essential vitamins and minerals for maximum effectiveness.
Studies have demonstrated the power of MCTs as an energy source for the brain, with ketones and medium chain fatty acids produced during MCT metabolism having anti-seizure effects that augment antiepileptic drugs.
Contents
Arginine
Purina nutritionists, researchers and veterinarians collaborated to formulate NC Neurocare as a dry dog food with an emphasis on cognitive function. Packed with nutrients such as arginine, EPA+DHA, antioxidants and B vitamins – which have all been clinically shown to support increased brainpower – NC Neurocare provides optimal brain support to your pup!
MCTs (Medium Chain Triglycerides), quickly digested by the brain to provide energy, can significantly improve cognition while simultaneously decreasing oxidative stress which has been linked to age-related behaviors in dogs.
Studies suggest PUFAs could reduce seizures in epileptic dogs, though results vary (read here). Hill’s Prescription Diet b/d offers an all-natural diet designed to control refractory epilepsy and memory issues in older dogs; its formula contains essential ingredients like arginine, DHA and EPA along with antioxidants that have been demonstrated to relieve symptoms associated with CDS in canines.
EPA+DHA
EPA and DHA, two essential long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, play an integral part in brain development and function during early childhood, especially by improving how flexible neurons are and their communication between each other. Furthermore, these long-chain fatty acids reduce age related macular degeneration risks as well as help boost memory.
One study demonstrated how omega-3 supplements rich in EPA significantly enhanced the ratio of anti-inflammatory to pro-inflammatory proteins found in adipose tissue, helping lower heart disease risk while controlling blood pressure, improving metabolism and keeping triglyceride levels healthy.
Studies have also demonstrated the ability of EPA and DHA to balance anti-inflammatory to pro-inflammatory molecules within the immune system, increasing its ability to combat pathogens more efficiently.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are man-made or naturally occurring substances that help prevent or delay certain types of cell damage, including vitamins C and E, selenium and carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Plant-based foods provide the ideal source of these essential compounds.
Free radicals are unstable molecules produced during natural body processes or by environmental toxins like tobacco smoke, UV radiation and pollution. High levels of free radicals have been linked with premature aging, cardiovascular disease, cancer and various chronic illnesses such as diabetes and vision loss.
Antioxidants act to neutralize free radicals and keep them balanced, thus lowering risk. They also boost immunity; according to Women’s Antioxidant Cardiovascular Study data, supplements containing vitamins C, E and beta-carotene did not significantly slow changes in cognitive function.
B Vitamins
The eight water soluble B vitamins play an essential, interrelated role as coenzymes for catabolic and anabolic processes of cell metabolism. These proteins govern numerous physiological processes, such as DNA and RNA synthesis, genomic methylation processes and production of many neurochemicals and signaling molecules. Human epidemiological and controlled trial investigations of water soluble B vitamins have mostly focused on those related to homocysteine metabolism (B9/B12/B6); however, increasing evidence indicates that adequate consumption of all water-soluble B vitamins is crucial to maintain normal physiology and brain functioning. Sources include cruciferous vegetables, whole-grain cereals, dairy products, organ meats and potatoes as sources.
Neurocare contains Vitamin B5, an essential nutrient required for producing sexual and stress hormones in the adrenal glands atop your kidneys.
Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil
Purina neurocare’s medium chain triglyceride oil has been demonstrated to significantly improve brain function and provide assistance for dogs experiencing cognitive issues. It contains an innovative blend of nutrients including arginine, EPA+DHA, antioxidants and B Vitamin supplements to meet this objective.
MCTs, or medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), are easier for our bodies to digest and utilize as energy than long-chain fatty acids, which must pass through our livers to be broken down and used as fuel.
Natural sources of MCTs include coconut and palm kernel oils. Synthetic production involves interesterification reactions. According to one recent study, two-thirds of dogs treated for idiopathic epilepsy with antiepileptic medication became seizure-free when fed a diet rich in MCTs.
